Tag Archives: Earth Day

The Arizona Diamondbacks, in partnership with Arizona Public Service (APS), have teamed up for the sixth annual APS Green Game, which will be held on Earth Day this Wednesday. The goal of the event is to educate fans on how to become more energy efficient.

In support of all the green efforts on Wednesday, all electric vehicles will receive free parking in the Chase Field Garage. During the game, the APS Green Team will collect recyclables in between each inning throughout the stadium and fans are encouraged to use the hashtag #APSGreenGame to see their energy-efficient social media posts on dbTV. As fans leave the stadium after the game, the D-backs and APS will hand out 10,000 CFL light bulbs. During the APS Green Game, the D-backs will purchase green energy from APS to power Chase Field. The total average consumption for the game will be approximately 238,000 kilowatt hours (kWh).

The D-backs are constantly seeking ways to be more energy efficient and more sustainable. Some of the top practices are highlighted by the following:

• Hosted the first-ever Zero-Waste Spring Training game in Arizona on March 13, 2014 at Salt River Fields to bring awareness to recycling and composting

• In 2014, the D-backs replaced fluorescent lighting along the main concourse with energy-efficient LED lighting that reduced the main concourse lighting power consumption by 60 percent.

• Fans with electric powered vehicles can charge their cars at one of the three electric car charging stations located at the northwest corner of 4th Street and Jackson at every game this season.

• The D-backs and Levy Restaurants donated four tons of leftover food after games in 2014 to Church on the Street, an equivalent of 7,500 meals for people in need in the Phoenix community.

• The APS Solar Pavilion, a 17,280 square-foot shade structure that generates 100,000 kWh of solar energy annually, enough electricity to power the lights at Chase Field for 11 home games.

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets for the game at www.dbacks.com/earthday and $2 from each ticket will benefit Phoenix Revitalization Corporation.

On Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, from 10:00am-6:00pm, Cox Arizona will be partnering with CBS 5 to help reduce hazardous waste caused by improperly dumping electronics and will be a hosting an E-Waste Recycling drive. Cox Arizona invites Phoenix residents to drop off their old and unwanted technology, including everything from batteries and computers, to cell phones, at participating Valley Cox Retail Store locations.

“This Earth Day, we invite the public to have a hand in protecting our environment by recycling their unwanted technology and we’ll make sure they’re recycled properly,” said Susan Anable, Vice President of Public Affairs, Cox Southwest. “At Cox we strive to help the environment throughout the year by using solar power, recycling, and using fuel-efficient vehicles—this is one of many initiatives Cox supports to help reduce waste and energy consumption.”

“We are pleased to be able to partner with Cox Arizona and offer this resource,” said Ed Munson, CBS 5 Vice President & General Manager. “So many people have these old items in the homes and just don’t know where or how to dispose of them. This is a great opportunity to get rid of that old technology and keep Phoenix clean.”

As a thank you for keeping our environment clean, Cox retail store staff will hand out Cox Conserve logo’d grocery/shopping bags to those that bring in donations.

Below are addresses of participating Cox Retail Stores:

Cox Solutions Store, 301 East Bell Road #100, Phoenix, AZ

Cox Solutions Store, 2040 East Rio Salado Parkway #128, Tempe, AZ

Below is a list of accepted materials:

Computers

Printers

Keyboards

Servers

Cell phones

Lap tops

Floppy drives

Video game systems

Cameras

Hard drives

Alkaline batteries

Modems

Routers

Cables and cords

To learn more about Cox Arizona’s green efforts, visit coxconserves.com. Nominations are now open for Cox Conserves Heroes, a program that recognizes local environmental volunteers and makes donations to local nonprofits on their behalf.

In honor of Earth Day, April 22, the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is teaming up Goodwill of Central Arizona to hold a large donation drive called Scouting for Shoes. The drive is going on now through Saturday, April 18.

In an effort to keep shoes from going directly in to Arizona landfills, Girl Scouts are collecting no longer needed shoes from family, friends and neighbors for donations to Goodwill. In exchange for their efforts, each Girl Scout will earn a Scouting for Shoes patch recognizing their commitment to our community and environment.

Each girl is hoping to collect at least four pairs of unwanted shoes and troop leaders will drop off the donations at select Goodwill stores on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“We’re really excited to continue our partnership with the Girl Scouts,” said Jackie Halleen, Goodwill’s vice president of retail operations. “Our donation drive with the Girl Scouts went very well last Fall. This is a great way for the girls to learn about the importance of recycling and supporting your community.”

“At Girl Scouts, some of our core values are environmental stewardship and leadership,” said Cristi Pontius, program logistics coordinate at Girl Scouts. “Our partnership with Goodwill allows us to bring these values to life! Girls have the opportunity to make a lasting impression in their communities and environment, while also supporting a great organization.”

Last year, the Girl Scouts collected over 25,000 pounds of donations.

If you’d like to support the Girl Scouts in their efforts, contact Cristi Pontius at 602.452.7105to find out where you can donate your gently used shoes.

Ever since documentaries like Food Inc. or Forks Over Knives emerged, the shift toward organic and natural foods has swept the nation. But many of us are not aware that the natural movement has extended into the cosmetic and beauty industry.

Several companies are now formulating organic ingredients into their products and eliminating the chemical toxins. The beauty of this influx in healthy living is not only reflected through glowing skin and shiny hair, but also in the affordable price tags.

In honor of Earth Day, it’s time to consider some eco-friendly beauty products as alternatives to your department store foundation and overpriced salon shampoos that will not only have you feeling beautiful, but will please Mother Earth as well.

Alba Botanica® Even Advanced Sea Kelp Facial Toner

This hypoallergenic toner is ideal for re-balancing your skin after a long day. It uses a Marine Complex, which includes micronized kelp, balances out the pH levels in your skin and tones your complexion.

$10.99

Available at albabotanica.com or natural food stores, such as Whole Foods Market

Cheeky Cosmetics Organic Lipstick

Cheeky Cosmetics crafts 100 percent handmade makeup from organic ingredients. It is not only affordable, but uses quality materials that create soft lips with a shimmery finish. The lipstick utilizes organic castor oil for shine and fullness and organic jojoba oil for moisture.

Avalon Organics® Peppermint Hand & Body Lotion

Made with 70 percent organic ingredients and packaged in a 100 percent recycled materials bottle, this lotion sustainably moisturizes your skin. It is rich with aloe, peppermint essential oil and Beta-Glucan, a nutrient that comes from oats.

JĀSÖN® Shave Therapy Anti-Razor Burn Lotion

There’s nothing worse than painful bumps and ingrown hairs brought on by razor burn, which is why JĀSÖN developed this lotion. It utilizes 95 percent natural soothing ingredients such as aloe vera and calendula, chamomile and primrose oils.

$8.49

Available at Jason-Natural.com, natural food stores, such as Whole Foods Market, and ULTA Beauty.

Vapour Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation

This foundation is created from 70 percent organic ingredients and 30 percent natural mineral pigments and vitamins. It uses organic papaya and pumpkin to nourish your skin and has anti-inflammatory properties from frankincense and lotus flowers.

Organix Biotin & Collagen Collection

Organix has developed a line specifically for adding volume and dimension to hair. They use ProVitamin B7 biotin to pump up each strand. Every Organix shampoo and conditioner is paraben and sulfate-free.

Observed on April 22 each year, Earth Day demonstrates support for environmental protection, evident in events celebrated in more than 192 countries in the world.

Being green and energy sufficient and producing less waste are solutions each person can adopt to protect the environment. In that spirit, homemade cleaning products are perfect, as they are easy to make and work just as well as general products found in stores. Here are five homemade products everyone can try:

Dish Soap

What you will need:

Funnel

Measuring cup and spoon

24-oz. squirt bottle (or empty dishwashing-liquid bottle)

Ingredients:

2/3 cup liquid castile soap

3 tsp. vegetable glycerin

5 drops tea-tree essential oil

20 drops lemon essential oil

1 1/3 cups water

Instructions: Using funnel, pour soap, glycerin, tea-tree oil, lemon oil and water into bottle. Shake well to emulsify. Place soap beside sink and use on dishes and hands. This fragrant formula also will clean your kitchen counter tops beautifully.

Shower Cleaner

What you will need:

Funnel

Measuring cup and spoons

32-oz. spray bottle

Rubber gloves

Sponge

Ingredients:

2 tsp. borax

1/2 tsp. liquid castile soap

½ cup distilled white vinegar

3 cups of hot water

Instructions: Using funnel, pour borax, soap, vinegar and water into spray bottle. Shake well to mix. Put on rubber gloves and spray surfaces, scrubbing with sponge as you work. Rinse with water.

This Earth Day, April 22, Chipotle Mexican Grill will reward eco-friendly customers with a free burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos if they purchase a Chipotle-branded repurposed billboard bag from Chipotle’s online store, store.chipotle.com, between now and April 14. Chipotle will donate all of its proceeds from the sale of the bags to the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation.

In keeping with Chipotle’s commitment to finding more sustainable solutions, the lunch bags are made through a unique process called “upcyling,” in which billboards sourced directly from Chipotle’s outdoor advertisements are given a second life by transforming would be waste into ultra-durable, one-of-a-kind, products using less energy than traditional recycling methods. Each lunch bag purchased through April 14 will include an eco-friendly card with a unique barcode that a customer can redeem for a free menu item on Earth Day. The cards are printed on tree-free stone paper that is made from limestone salvaged from construction sites and quarry waste.

“We are changing the way people think about and eat fast food,” said Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO of Chipotle. “For us, that starts with serving food made with better ingredients from more sustainable sources, but that same idea impacts all facets of our business. We are always pushing ourselves to find better, more sustainable practices for everything we do, and looking to educate our customers about these issues and why we think they are so important.”

Designed exclusively for Chipotle by Loomstate, a pioneer of sustainable apparel, and made in Denver by Billboard Ecology Partners, the lunch bags are available exclusively through Chipotle’s online store. The bag design features a classic top-roll adjustable strap closure, reinforced side seams and handle, and a convenient extra-large back pocket. The black back and front panels of the bags are the reverse side of the billboards while the side panels showcase unique front-facing billboard designs that differ by bag, meaning that each is truly one of a kind.

Lunch bag supplies are limited and customers must purchase their bag between Monday, March 26 and Saturday, April 14, 2012, in order to receive it in time for Earth Day. Each lunch bag purchased through April 14, 2012 will include a card containing a barcode, which customers must present to redeem their free Chipotle menu item. Each customer is limited to one free burrito, bowl, salad or tacos per barcode presented.

All proceeds from the lunch bag sales will go towards the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, which launched in August 2011 with the debut of “Back to the Start,” an animated short film available at YouTube.com/Chipotle. The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation provides funding to support sustainable agriculture, family farming, and culinary education.

Welcome to the AZ News Roundup for April 18th

This week we are focusing on events in Arizona. Some are coming up soon and others have already passed with great success.

Tempe Company to Host “Green” Earth Day Event

In celebration of Earth Day, Renewal by Andersen of Phoenix will host its third annual in-store Earth Day event on Saturday April 23, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Tempe, Ariz. showroom. The event will include refreshments, activities, product demonstrations and “green” building education. The company will be offering special “energy saving green window package upgrades” and gifts along with a limited time zero percent financing offer. Read More >>

Phoenix Pet Expo offers tips for attendees and their pets!

Pet lovers in the Phoenix area should get their four-legged friends ready for the 2011 Phoenix Pet Expo, Saturday, May 7th, at University of Phoenix Stadium. This free indoor event attracts thousands of pet lovers looking to enjoy a day out with their furry, feathered or reptilian pals! Read More >>

Infiniti of Scottsdale’s First Trackdays Event of 2011

Speed was the name of the game April 3rd on the Firebird’s East Track for Infiniti of Scottsdale’s first IOS Trackdays Event of 2011. It was an absolutely gorgeous day for racing performance-inspired cars, and approximately 65 Infinitis and 85 Infiniti of Scottsdale customers showed up to our event with family and friends! Registration for the next event is already open. Read More >>

Infiniti of Scottsdale supports the Scottsdale Culinary Festival

Infiniti of Scottsdale was proud to sponsor this year’s Scottsdale Culinary Festival, where over 24,000 people enjoyed food, fun, and, of course, two beautiful Infiniti cars from Infiniti of Scottsdale! One of this year’s parties at the Culinary Festival was the annual Eat, Drink & Be Pretty event. Read More >>

The Fine Arts String Orchestra to Serenade Moon Valley on May 13, 2011

On May 13, at 7 p.m. at Shadow Rock UCC in Phoenix, the Fine Arts String Orchestra — directed by Brett Robison — presents works of Tchaikovsky, Elgar and Whitacre. Scottsdale Musical Arts is a performing arts organization in the Phoenix area. Read More >>

Google Builds World’s Largest Advertising and Search Monetization Program

“Google remains committed to developing services that bring significant value and return on investment to our advertisers, partners, and users worldwide,” said Eric Schmidt, Google’s chairman and CEO. “Through superior relevancy and simple design, Google’s many innovations connect people to the world’s information and enhance the overall user experience of the web.”

Check back Next week for the 2004 Google Doodle’s

As the world celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Valley residents also had a reason to celebrate.

To commemorate Earth Day, Valley Forward was once again at the forefront of the sustainability movement in the state — hosting their Seventh Annual Livability Summit at the Wyndham Phoenix.

The title of the program, “What Does the Future Hold for Sustainability?”, proved to be a launching pad for intelligent and interesting observations from speakers, panelists and attendees.

The event began with a welcome from Valley Forward president and Green Scene guest blogger, Diane Brossart, followed by Jeanne Forbis, Valley Forward Association Chair of the Board and Global Corporate Affairs Communication Manager at Intel Corporation. Ms. Forbis introduced the morning keynote speaker: James Charlier, an expert in smart growth strategies and sustainable transportation systems. Mr. Charlier gave a lively, informative presentation before turning to the morning’s panelists to continue the discussion.

Mayor Phil Gordon announced the City of Phoenix received a $25 million federal grant for its Green Rail Corridor project.

Each panelist offered their own unique perspective about the challenges Arizona faces in planning for a sustainable future. The lively debate then extended to the audience who asked some interesting questions.

For a complete list of all the speaker’s presentations visit Valley Forward’s website.

The summit was headlined by keynote speaker Jeremy Rifkin, renowned economic futurist and sustainability expert who wowed the audience with his incredible knowledge and experience. As president of the Foundation of Economic Trends and the author of 17 best-selling books on the impact and technological changes on the economy, workforce, society and environment, Rifkin is a seasoned voice in the field. Rifkin used his own experience as founder and chairperson of the Third Industrial Revolution Global CEO Business Roundtable to enlighten the crowd with some ideas about a possible sustainable future for Arizona. During his speech, Rifkin gave examples of several European countries that have already implemented astounding sustainable economic plans that can serve as a great example for the U.S. and for Arizona.

Rifkin’s compelling presentation got everyone thinking and emphasized the critical juncture we’re facing. He noted that we are at the turning point of our species or the “end of human civilization as we know it.” Rifkin further explained his reasoning by pointing out that we are living off 19th and 20th century ideas that are toxic to the biosphere challenges we face as a global society. The premise behind the Third Industrial Revolution is to harness smart technologies and global communication networks to create a renewable energy regime. Renewable energy and its growth is critical as well as harnessing this power by converting buildings into power plants. Lastly hydrogen storage, smartgrid and plug-in vehicles will maximize renewable energy and minimize cost.

Author and economic futurist Jeremy Rifkin, president of the Foundation on Economic Trends delivered the luncheon keynote and signed copies of his book, “The Empathetic Civilization.”

Just hearing his thought-provoking ideas was incredibly inspiring. Implementing these ideas won’t be easy but Rifkin is optimistic that as more and more cities across the globe change their viewpoint and see the economic vitality sustainability can bring, a so-called “revolution” will take place.

Overall, the summit was an incredibly successful event. In addition, to the panel discussion, Valley Forward also hosted a resource area that spotlighted local initiatives for environmental concerns and sustainability issues. The organization was also proud to once again partner with the 2010 Future City Competition for 7th and 8th grade students, with winning students from Cochise Middle School attending the summit.

Everyone involved in office space — owners and property managers as well as tenant office managers and employees — has a shared responsibility for reducing the environmental impact of our business activities. In commemoration of Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, here are 40 ways to make the office a greener place to work.

Owners
1. Include reasonable sustainability provisions in standard lease agreements, and try to accommodate tenants with their own green criteria.
2. Require your management staff to follow sustainable procedures as much as possible, and to report on what they are doing.
3. Ask your property manager and other service providers what steps their organization is taking to be sustainable, including what they ask their own vendors, to ensure the sustainability of your supply chain.
4. Keep current on public policy mandates regarding green buildings, including tax credits and other incentives as well as building codes and other requirements.
5. Be knowledgeable of costs and financing alternatives relating to energy and sustainability improvements, and weigh these factors against potential financial benefits.
6. Conduct a complete commissioning of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems once every three years to ensure they operate as they were designed to do.
7. Install bike racks to encourage emission-free commuting.
8. Institute a building-wide recycling program, and if possible, establish an area for sorting recyclables before they leave the building.
9. Budget for tenant sub-metering, subject to applicable laws and lease agreements.
10. Invest in roofing materials that reduce heat absorption by using highly reflective materials or vegetation.

Property Managers
1. Replace traditional base building light bulbs with high efficiency/low mercury lighting.
2. Install carbon dioxide detectors to ensure enough fresh air is circulating.
3. Don’t over-ventilate: It’s important to have enough fresh air, but outside air must be heated or cooled to inside temperatures, increasing energy use.
4. Follow a consistent schedule of checking and replacing filters.
5. Sub-meter equipment for better data on where energy is being used, so that when there is an unexpected rise in energy, the problem can be isolated more easily.
6. Use cleaning supplies and restroom paper products that meet EPA’s Environmentally Preferred Purchasing guidelines or are certified by organizations such as Green Seal
7. Ensure that parking-lot lights are shielded to focus light on the ground instead into the sky or neighboring properties, avoiding light pollution.
8. Follow integrated pest management principles that pose the least risk to people and the environment at the most economical cost.
9. Utilize high-efficiency irrigation technologies.
10. Work with municipalities to permit motion-sensitive lighting in emergency stairwells.

Office Managers
1. Set office copier defaults to print on both sides of paper to reduce paper waste.
2. Post recycling receptacles in central locations as well as at individual desks.
3. Use motion detectors to control lighting in storage and other rooms that are used infrequently.
4. Install task lighting at employee workstations so that late workers do not need full lighting throughout the department.
5. Consider recycled and recyclable materials when renovating space or replacing furniture.
6. Require interior build-out contractors to follow sustainable practices, particularly in ensuring the air quality of adjoining areas where employees are working.
7. Use low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint and formaldehyde-free furniture and carpet in offices to ensure that air quality is not compromised.
8. Investigate the installation of software that automatically turns off copiers and printers at a certain time, and make sure standby modes are set correctly.
9. Consider programs that allow employees to work from home part of the time, reducing carbon emissions from commuting and potentially limiting space needed per employee, thus reducing the amount of space to heat and cool.
10. Design space to maximize penetration of natural light into your space.

Employees
1. Bring lunch from home to reduce cafeteria and restaurant waste.
2. Print documents only when necessary, and use double-sided printing when possible.
3. Learn which plastic lunch items are and are not recyclable, and wash food particles from recyclable containers before depositing
4. Use a coffee mug and reusable water bottle instead of paper cups and disposable plastic bottles.
5. Turn off your computer at night and unplug the adaptor—even an idle adaptor draws energy.
6. Bring your laptop to meetings to avoid printing out presentation materials.
7. When working late, use task lighting at your desk instead of lighting an entire floor.
8. Take mass transit or carpool to work if possible; or better yet, walk or ride a bicycle if you live close enough to the office.
9. Place plants in your office space to help absorb indoor pollution.
10. Turn out conference room lights when meetings are over.

If each person does his or her part, these practices will greatly reduce costs for everyone and ensure a healthier, happier workplace as well as helping the environment. Have a happy fortieth birthday, Earth Day!

Robert Best, executive vice president of energy and sustainability services at Jones Lang LaSalle, contributed to this report.

As April 22nd draws near, sustainability-minded folks around the world are preparing to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the event. It’s hard to imagine that before Senator Gaylord Nelson created the event as a way to “force this issue onto the national agenda” there was no real concentrated efforts to do anything for the environment.

A lot has changed since 1970, when President Richard Nixon and Congress authorized the creation of a new federal agency — the Environmental Protection Agency — in response to the growing public demand for increased environmental awareness. Now, sustainability and being “green” is a hot topic across the globe and Earth Day is a worldwide movement.

The Environmental Protection Agency also has evolved greatly since its inception and is doing its part to raise awareness about the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The agency has numerous incentives and programs that you can learn more about on their website www.epa.gov/earthday/. The Pick5 initiative lists simple things you can do to help the environment. Just click on a category, for example “Waste” and a list of tips pop open to show you what you can do to help! An interactive map lets you see what Earth Day activities will be going on in your area and much, much more.

This Earth Day, as we reflect on the history of this worldwide event, lets join together to create a successful future of continued environmental awareness.

This week’s Green News Roundup has a variety of news articles focusing on sustainability-related issues from eco-friendly surfboards to electric FedEx delivery trucks and more.

As always, please feel free to send me any interesting stories that catch your eye to kasia@azbigmedia.com. Also visit AZ Green Scene for informative articles on green topics throughout the Valley and state. Learning more about the issues that affect us all will help lead us to a sustainable future.

Start-Ups Win With Plans to Displace Disposables
NURU Energy, a company that makes rechargeable lights and portable power generators designed to displace kerosene fuel used in off-grid villages in developing nations, took the grand prize at last weekend’s business-plan competition hosted by the William James Foundation. The Richard Heinberg Award for Sustainability went to EGG-Energy and Kwai won the Regional Prize.

Obama Bicycle Policy Wins Love From Cyclists, Scorn From Trucking Industry
Last month, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that the government is going to start giving bicycling and walking the same priority as cars in transportation planning and when choosing projects for federal money. It’s a controversial policy of course, but potentially a huge step in the world of environmentalism.

Green solutions as Earth Day turns 40
Next Thursday is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and CNN’s Green Solutions in Focus series is looking at solutions at issues affecting the planet. For instance, Vermont dairy farmers are experimenting with methods to reduce bovine greenhouse gas emissions…by increasing Omega-3 fatty acid in cows’ diets so that they burp less and produce more milk.

FedEx is geared up for electric delivery trucks
Next month, FedEx Corp. will be introducing four new trucks to its fleet. These trucks aren’t like their conventional delivery vehicles, though – they are all-electric. An interest in reducing reliance on fossil fuels isn’t new to the company, which began using a hybrid truck in 2004. The new electric trucks will roll out in Los Angeles.

For eco-friendly surfboard shapers, more kelp in the lineup
Though surfing is often seen as an almost spiritual-like release for its aficianados, surfboards are actually wreaking havoc on the environment. The materials used to make surfboards will take generations to biodegrade, so you’d think a new movement of entrepreneurs hoping to find a more eco-friendly solution would be a breath of fresh air for the industry, but you’d be wrong. Instead, those trying to find a formula for surfboards that will be better for the environment are feeling some opposition.